Prime Energy Drinks PFAS Lawsuit Forever Chemicals

Launched in January 2022, Prime energy drinks quickly became a viral sensation. Helped by influencers and co-founders of the brand, Logan Paul and KSI, the energy drinks became a hit with younger consumers, flying off the shelves. Some bottles were selling for over $1000 as demand outweighed supply. Prime Energy and Hydration drinks were marketed as being healthier than alternative energy drinks, but was that true? A huge lawsuit has been filed against the brand, alleging that Prime drinks contain PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health issues.

Several independent tests showed that some Prime energy drinks contained per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), believed to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). In addition, testers also claimed that the drinks contained much higher levels of caffeine than advertised. It has been noted in the Prime Energy lawsuits that the drinks are highly popular with children and young adults and that not disclosing the higher amounts of caffeine didn’t adequately warn consumers that the drinks could be detrimental to their health. This went all the way to Congress, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the FDA to investigate Prime for the “absurd” caffeine levels found in its drinks.

As of the summer of 2024, the Prime drinks lawsuits are ongoing. Originally filed in August 2023, lawyers have called for others to come forward and join the suit. A significant motion was filed in April 2024, making many of the documents relating to the lawsuit public. The case is unusual due to the profiles of the two founders, YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul. The latter has faced the media in an attempt to defend the Prime Energy brand, calling the claims unsubstantiated.

The specific Prime drink in focus in the lawsuits is Prime Hydration Grape Sports Drink, although other drinks may contain PFAS. The PFAS discovered in testing included: Perfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluoro-n-decanoic acids (PFDA), Perfluoro-n-dodecanoic acid (PFDoA), Perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid (PFHpA), Perfluoro-noctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid (PFUdA), Perfluoro-n-tetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA), and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Overall, the studies claimed that Prime Hydration Grape Sports Drink contained levels of PFAS three times higher than the lifetime advisory limit for drinking water.

There has not yet been an FDA recall of Prime Energy or Hydration drinks, but there is growing political and media pressure for authorities to act. As highlighted earlier, the top-ranking Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, has called for an investigation into the potential harm of Prime drinks. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has indicated it may collaborate with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to investigate misleading claims made by the drinks brand.

Right now, the Prime lawsuit has been filed as a class action, with lead plaintiff Elizabeth Castillo representing other consumers. The initial suit seeks $5 million in damages. If further issues arise, i.e., Prime drinks are proven to be harmful, then it is possible that the lawsuits will

evolve into a mass tort, allowing each claimant to seek financial damages based on the individual harm caused by Prime Drinks consumption. For the moment, lawyers are asking for people to come forward and join the existing class-action lawsuit against Prime.

There are two main brands under the Prime banner: Prime Energy and Prime Hydration. Each has several different types of flavors with different ingredients. There have, of course, been plenty of warnings about the dangers of energy drinks in general. Most of the warnings about Prime drinks surround the high caffeine content, with around 200 milligrams per serving in Prime Energy. Too much caffeine can lead to issues with insomnia, jitters, increased heart rate, restlessness, and other negative psychological effects. The PFAS were linked to Prime Hydration, notably Prime Hydration Grape Sports Drink.  PFAS have been associated with causing cancer, reproductive problems, hormonal imbalance, liver damage, and developmental damage in children.

Is There A Class Action Lawsuit Against Prime?

Yes. A lawsuit has been filed against the producers of Prime Energy Drinks.

What is the Prime lawsuit for PFAS chemicals?

The Prime Energy class action alleges that the makers of Prime failed to disclose that some products contain PFAS chemicals.

What are the PFAS chemicals?

PFAS chemicals are known as forever chemicals. Found in a variety of products, they have been known to cause cancer and other health problems.

Is Prime Hydration drink safe?

Doctors recommend that any energy drink should be consumed in moderation. PFAS, which have been found in some Prime Hydration brands, may cause cancer.

Is Prime the drink discontinued?

No. Prime is still on the market. The company made around $250 million in sales of its energy drinks range last year.

Does Prime have forever chemicals in it?

Independent third-party testing has discovered PFAS, known as forever chemicals, in certain Prime drinks.